Our legislatures look like combat arenas: President

Vice-President Hamid Ansari isn't alone in expressing anguish at the disruptions in Parliament. Addressing the nation on the eve of the 67th Independence Day, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said, "Our legislatures look more like combat arenas rather than fora that legislate."

In his second such address since taking over as president, Mukherjee said there was "widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the governance and functioning of institutions". He reminded legislators there was a need for a "Parliament that debates, discusses and decides".

While commending the fact that the "economy grew annually at an average rate of 7.9 per cent" in the last decade, the president said utmost priority must be accorded to "elimination of poverty". Urging the government to maintain the pace of economic reforms, he stressed redistribution of wealth and empowerment of local bodies through the panchayati raj system. Mukherjee highlighted the social welfare schemes launched by the government in the past year. The Direct Benefits Transfer scheme, he said, would lead to greater transparency and empower the common citizen. Other initiatives such as the New Manufacturing Policy, the renewal of urban infrastructure and the skill training programme were aimed at harnessing the edge India had through its demographic dividend, he added.

In the backdrop of the recent escalation in tension on the India-Pakistan border, the president, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, had stern words - "our commitment to peace is unfailing but our patience has limits".

Mukherjee also reminded the nation that the general elections, the "greatest festival of democracy", were fast approaching. He urged citizens to " elect a stable government which will ensure security and economic development".